Theatrics: meaning, definitions and examples

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theatrics

 

[ ฮธiหˆรฆtrษชks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in drama

Theatrics refers to exaggerated or dramatic behavior, often associated with acting or performance. It involves the use of exaggerated gestures, facial expressions, and vocal intonations to convey emotions or messages to an audience.

Synonyms

dramatics, exaggeration, histrionics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
theatrics

Used when referring to exaggerated and highly emotional behavior, often for attention.

  • Her theatrics during the meeting were a bit much.
  • He responded with such theatrics that everyone started laughing.
dramatics

Typically used to describe behavior that is over-the-top or overly emotional, often in response to minor events.

  • Enough with the dramatics, it's just a small cut.
  • His dramatics about the spilled milk were unnecessary.
histrionics

Often used with a negative connotation, referring to overly theatrical or dramatic behavior, typically to draw attention.

  • I can't deal with her histrionics every time there's a problem.
  • His histrionics at the party were a bit embarrassing.
exaggeration

Use when someone is making something seem larger, better, or worse than it actually is.

  • Her stories are always full of exaggeration.
  • Saying he climbed a mountain when it was just a hill is an exaggeration.

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her theatrics on stage, captivating the audience with her dramatic gestures.
  • His theatrics during the play added an extra layer of emotion to the performance.
Context #2 | Noun

in everyday life

Theatrics can also refer to exaggerated or dramatic behavior in everyday life, beyond the realm of performance. It involves putting on a show or display of emotions for effect or attention.

Synonyms

drama, exaggeration, showiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
theatrics

Used to describe exaggerated, dramatic behavior intended to attract attention or express emotions in an exaggerated way. Often used in a critical or negative sense.

  • His constant theatrics at work are starting to annoy everyone.
  • She couldn't help but roll her eyes at his theatrics during the meeting.
drama

Typically used to describe situations or performances with intense emotional elements. It can refer to real-life conflicts and emotions, or to a genre of performance art like plays and movies. Can be neutral but is sometimes used negatively to describe exaggerated emotional reactions.

  • She loves watching TV dramas with complex storylines and characters.
  • All this drama over a simple mistake is really unnecessary.
exaggeration

Used to describe statements or behaviors that make something seem more significant or extreme than it actually is. Often used in a critical sense to indicate that someone is not being realistic.

  • His story about catching a fish was full of exaggeration.
  • Saying that it was the worst day ever is a bit of an exaggeration.
showiness

Used to describe behavior or style that is meant to attract attention by being overly flashy or ostentatious. Often carries a negative connotation implying a lack of subtlety or taste.

  • The showiness of his new sports car turned some people off.
  • Her outfit was criticized for its unnecessary showiness.

Examples of usage

  • His theatrics at the party drew all the attention to him.
  • She was tired of his constant theatrics and wished he would just be genuine.

Translations

Translations of the word "theatrics" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น teatralidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคพเคŸเค•เฅ€เคฏเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Theatralik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ teatrikalitas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะตะฐั‚ั€ะฐะปัŒะฝั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ teatralnoล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆผ”ๅŠ‡็š„ใช่กŒ็‚บ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท thรฉรขtralitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ teatralidad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท teatralik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ฐ๊ทน์ ์ธ ํ–‰๋™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู…ุซูŠู„ ู…ุณุฑุญูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ teatralita

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ teatralita

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆˆๅ‰งๆ€ง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ teatralnost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leikrรฆni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะตะฐั‚ั€ะปะฐะฝะดั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒแƒขแƒ แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ teatrallฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ teatralidad

Etymology

The word 'theatrics' originated in the mid-18th century from the Greek word 'theatron', meaning 'a place for viewing'. It evolved to encompass the idea of dramatic or exaggerated behavior, both in the context of performance and everyday life. The use of theatrics can be traced back to ancient Greek theater, where actors used exaggerated gestures and expressions to convey emotions to the audience.

See also: amphitheatre, theatrical.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,892 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.